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ALL that you have described is pain and distress. YOU must be the one to speak for Ziggy and INSIST, if you have to, for a referral. I can't comment on what your insurance will or won't pay, but I am assuming that as long as you get the referral, they will most likely pay.

I agree completely, Sydneys Mom. Thanks for the heads up. Do you think I should go to a different vets and try there? If so, should I show the video that I put up here? Reason I ask about the video is because I dont want them thinking thats him playing because now, its clear it is NOT that.

Sorry to come into this so late. I've been doing other things non stop since last Tuesday and only just found time to sit down and check what is going on here!

I have an 11 years old boy with CM/SM. He was diagnosed by MRI scan when he was 6 years old, but had no symptoms so no treatment was required until he was about 9 and the disease advanced.

From what I can see I think that most of the symptoms that you described could be CM, SM or a wealth of other diseases like prolapsed disks or even patella problems. What I think you should do is to show the video to your vet and see what he says. If he still insists that your dog is too old to get SM insist on a referral. Some neuro. vets can diagnose without a M.R.I. as they have so much experience to rely on. If the referral vet thinks that SM is present he will want to know the extent of it, so a full scan will be required, costing £1,000-1,250, which your insurers should pay.

If something other than SM looks likely the vet might well order specialised x-rays and perhaps corrective surgery will be required. Again, the insurers should pay for this.

If your vet still refuses to give you a referral then get another vet - simples. Remember that while your vet hesitates or is in denial your poor dog is suffering.

I do hope you can get answers one way or the other very soon. Let us know how you get on please.

Well his back legs have been checked by the vet and by all accounts they are fine and same goes for the front. This was a top ranking vet and she did this thing where she picks up his leg and moves it around in a walking motion (?) is that enough to verify there isnt an issue?

Anyway, wel book an appointment and il keep you guys posted.
Hes been more perky than usual the past 2 days which is good but I guess they get their bad days and good days. Il upload some more videos of his paw licking and other symptoms when I get time.

Ziggy has been doing the above a lot today. Anything that involves excitement or a big amount of movement, boom, hel suddenly stop and start violently licking his paws. We will be taking him to the vets tomorrow if we can get an appointment with the top vet, if not wel search around and find another vet. Whats your guys verdict on the video?